The Samoa Women’s Football team walked away after 90 minutes of a thrilling finals for Women’s Football with the Silver Medal for the 2019 XVI Pacific Games.
Despite losing to defending champions Papua New Guinea (PNG) with a score of 3-1, Samoa’s Assistant Coach Leti Tamasese said she is very pleased with the team’s performance.
Spectators and supporters were at the edge of their seats in a marvelous showcase of football skills by both sides despite the wet conditions of the field. With just 30 minutes into the first half, Samoa’s striker Torijan Lyne-Lewis scored Samoa’s first and sole goal.
According to the PNG coach, their solid side expected Samoa to be a breather however they soon realized that Samoa were more controlled, composed and with their first goal they knew Samoa were after the Gold medal.
Playing in the finals of the Pacific Games was important for PNG being part of their preparations for the impending OFC U19 Champions as well as defending their place as the top women footballers in the Pacific.
Additional to PNG taking Gold, the PNG Coach was pleased with the performance of her girls especially holding off a strong, young and energetic Samoan side. For Samoa, Leti Tamasese said she acknowledges the support of all families, fans, administrators and spectators and believes the Silver Medal will inspire all young Samoan girls to take up Football as a sport.
Tamasese also believe the results is testament of the continuing development of football as a sport in Samoa and excellent teamwork of the girls and its management.
The Silver Medal for the Samoa Women’s Football Team is a significant milestone for Football in Samoa being the first time a Samoan team has ever won a Silver Medal in the Pacific Games history.
At the end of the Women’s Football finals, PNG took home Gold, Samoa secured Silver whilst Fiji won Bronze.
